We already know finished basements have real world value. In the U.S., the national average shows nearly 90% of the cost of a basement remodel is recouped in the resale value of a house. But what about “finish ready” basements? We attended a regional seminar sponsored by the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) here in Chicago and found that “finish ready” basements sell faster and for more money.

The speaker, addressing both waterproofing and real estate professionals told a story of a house in the New England area for sale. A comparable house down the block was on the market for months. The seller, understanding the value of a clean, dry basement, decided to invest money into his basement, making it “finish “ready” before putting it on the market. The home sold in nine days – for $30,000 more than what the agent recommended!

The condition of the basement was virtually the only difference between the two houses. Coincidence?

Waterproofers: Is Indoor Air Quality Your Problem? Some waterproofing professionals say no; some say yes. If they understand what causes indoor air quality problems, then the answer should always be yes.

Like we have said before 50% of the air you breathe in your house comes from the basement. Why is that? Basically our homes work just like chimneys, with negative pressure (a vacuum) pulling the air from the basement up into the upper levels of the house. This is what is called the stack effect.

When you understand the stack effect, you then understand why the air quality in the basement is very relevant to the air quality throughout. When the EPA started studying indoor air quality, they coined the phrase “Sick Building Syndrome.” This is when the inhabitants in a building start to become sick with common symptoms such as headache; eye, nose, or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors.

There are several factors that cause sick building syndrome—such as ventilation issues, indoor and outdoor chemical contaminants—but the one cause waterproofers can help with are biological contaminants. The biological contaminants are bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses that breed in stagnant water and moisture. This accumulates in ducts, humidifiers and drain pans, or where water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation.

The major cause for sick building syndrome is moisture problems in the basement. Did you ever think that the work waterproofers do in the basement could affect the air quality of the whole house?